Originally Posted by lutach (Post 262858)

I've spoken with a few people and the hub motors are nice, but they require an active drive system to act like a diff does so the vehicle won't spin out when it turns. Less drive train is best for efficiency, but to keep costs down one is needed. There are various places that sells 2-speed racing transmissions that are very light and if you couple that to a electric motor, the performance can be great. The Chevy Volt is just a poor example of what a big company can do. Only 40 miles range in electric mode, give me a break. Even Tesla can go further and they don't even use the best cells available. The Tzero is probably the best and the first to go longer then any electric. Now Tesla has a billionaire backing it up and AC Propulsion has been in the game for a long time, but Chevy with all that money can only accomplish 40 miles.

Originally Posted by JERRY2KONE (Post 263008)

Especially now since we have all put in money to help them out with the billions of tax payer money lent to them in this bailout sceme. I do not support that by the way. I think we are being taken for a ride. Still with all of the money involved there, and the geniouses working for GM and the like, they should have done better on electric by now.

Originally Posted by lincpimp (Post 263044)

Hey Sike, I am only a few weeks in on the research... As far as the mech connection go I should have all of that covered. Wiring will take time, but the worst part will be the battery placement.

I will definately pick your brain on the forklift motor. I have some info that a 90v or so setup should meet my goals. Looking for 30 miles range, and 45mph max speed. Just looking for a town car, not going on the interstate. 15 6v lead acid batts should do for what I want.

Sounds like I can use a forklift motor for propulsion, stick with a manual tranny and clutch for easy operation. Probably stick with a curtis controller as they seem to be the best priced. Will make my own adapter plate, and maybe have a coupler made, or buy one if they are available.

Originally Posted by What's_nitro? (Post 263064)

Are you going to lock the tranny into second gear??? :lol:

The "town car" goal will be much easier to achieve. Why use 15, 6V batteries though? Why not just 8, 12V batteries? It would make your wiring much less complicated.

Originally Posted by lutach (Post 263071)

James, look at the 914 electric conversion. It's a decent set up and will be more then enough for your needs.

Originally Posted by lincpimp (Post 263091)

Do you mean AGM batts? I use one in my motor cycle. Not much better than lead acid for bang for the buck... I was going to use lifepo, but they are still a bit new and expensive.

Originally Posted by JERRY2KONE (Post 263121)

Yea but considering what you are trying to accomplish wont the gell cells be a better choice over lead acid for the weight difference in keeping your load down? Just curious.. Sorry don't know about the Lifpo line either.